There are numerous challenges that come with being a working mom, whether it’s a choice or a necessity. The judgmental glances and remarks from others who believe you aren’t fully committed to raising your children can be disheartening. Then there’s the exhaustion that hits hard when you return to work after having a baby, leaving you frazzled and out of sorts. The constant hassle of dealing with breast pump issues and the seemingly endless cleaning of baby gear can be overwhelming. And let’s not overlook the heavy weight of guilt that often accompanies this journey.
As your little ones grow from tiny infants into curious toddlers, the emotional stakes rise. You might find yourself missing those precious milestones, like the first smile, the first words, or their first steps. Events like preschool performances or Mother’s Day celebrations may slip through your fingers, making the balancing act between being a dedicated professional and a loving mother feel nearly impossible. One person often ends up disappointed in this juggling act—and that person is usually you.
However, the hardest part of being a working mom is when your child falls ill. It’s heart-wrenching to know they crave your comfort, yet someone else—a babysitter, a teacher, or a family member—must step in to provide the care they need. In those moments, anxiety creeps in as you sit at work, checking your phone obsessively for updates or photo messages that might reassure you they’re okay.
The guilt I felt leaving for work yesterday was overwhelming. My heart ached as my caregiver whisked my daughter away, who was crying and reaching out to me, wanting to come along. She had a high fever, which is particularly frightening given her history of febrile seizures. All day, she wanted to be held, barely eating or playing, and only managed to nap for hours as her little body fought off the illness. When it was time for me to leave, she looked up at me with tear-filled eyes and sweetly asked, “Can I please come with you?”
In those moments, I often wish I could simply step back and be “just” a mom. But I know from experience that motherhood is a demanding job in its own right. This is, for me, the most challenging aspect of juggling work and motherhood, and it seems to become more complex with each passing year.
Freelancing has its perks, allowing me to be home more than a standard 9-to-5 job would. I can schedule my work around my children’s school hours, but then there are those busy months when work demands attention. During these peak times, my kids often need me the most, creating a painful conflict.
To all the mothers I silently judged when I was fresh out of college, arriving late to work because of sick children, I apologize. I see now the struggles you faced and the respect you deserved for balancing those challenges.
Being a working mother is inherently filled with complexities. Regardless of where we are, our children are always in our hearts. Tomorrow, I’ll dive back into my work, but today I’ll cherish every moment with my little one.
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In summary, balancing work and motherhood presents unique challenges, especially during difficult times like a child’s illness. The guilt and anxiety can be overwhelming, but cherishing those moments together helps keep us grounded.
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